Archive for 489

SMITTY: It looks like it’s a sprained ACL and considered out indefinitely. As we said earlier, we don’t think he will be back this season, at least during the fantasy football season. The Cards might have him available at some point in the playoffs, but Stanton is considered very questionable for anything near 1-2 weeks time. Stay tuned on this one. Looking for Week 15 Power Rankings?

PREVIOUS UPDATE: If Drew Stanton can’t go in Week 16, and we feel he is likely done for the season, the team will turn to one of Logan Thomas or Ryan Lindley. It’s tough to say which passer will get the nod in Week 16, but since Lindley was shoved into the line-up in Week 15, you have to think he’s got the momentum heading into Week 16. Neither is a super-strong option, which makes both Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd tough options to count on here in Weeks 16 and 17 coming up. No passing game, mixed with a tough rushing schedule moving forward (starting with Seattle next week), makes the very talented Kerwynn Williams tough to count on as well. Looking for Week 15 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: This will be an interesting game, but hopefully it isn’t super-low scoring. Tre Mason will have tough running ahead of him, but is still a strong flex play this week. Larry Fitzgerald (probable) and Michael Floyd (and John Brown) are all risky plays given their inconsistency and given how dominant that Rams defense has been the last two weeks. Kerwynn Williams is a risky play, but decent flex. He could get most of the carries in this one, but it’s always a risk playing a ‘hot hand’ type player. Arians loves this kid, though.Looking for Week 15 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: Keep in mind that he threw last Tuesday as well, but had a setback with the nerve in his shoulder. This is a great sign, and an earlier report on Sunday said that Palmer had a ‘breakthrough’, so this sounds positive. Getting him back in the line-up would boost values for all three of Michael Floyd, Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Ellington (who still has top 5-10RB upside with a potent offense behind him). Stay tuned on this one! Looking for Week 6 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: UPDATE: The second opinion is suggesting that Palmer not have surgery and to just continue rehabbing the injury. While this is good news in some ways, it’s hard to imagine Palmer playing Week 5, so expect Drew Stanton to start, and all of the below regarding how it affects the Cardinal players still applies.

SMITTY: This is not a good sign regarding his Week 5 eligibility. However, some sources are still calling him 50/50 to play Week 5. I myself think it’s time to start preparing for yet another Drew Stanton start, and while he is serviceable for the Cards and their road to winning, owners of Andre Ellington, Michael Floyd, Larry Fitzgerald, and even John Brown, can’t catch a break here. Palmer out of that line-up knocks all these guys down a good tier in terms of fantasy value. Hopefully the team leans on Ellington in Week 5, and hopefully his Week 4 bye got his foot closer to healthy. Looking for Week 5 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: This is great news for everyone from Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald owners, straight down to Andre Ellington owners, as Ellington will now likely be a week healthier with that foot, and will now have open rushing lanes. Of course, keep real-time tabs on this topic by signing up for Smart Alerts. Looking for Week 4 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: This is great news for Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald owners, although, Drew Stanton is playing effective football under center. Still, as we said last week, Palmer in that AZ line-up almost increases both receiver’s values by a tier or more (and the same can be said for Andre Ellington, who will have more room to run in Weeks 5+ with Palmer back keeping defenses honest). Check back with us after Wednesday’s practice, as we should have a better indication regarding Palmer’s potential Week 5 availability. Remember, the Cards have a bye here in Week 4, which is perfect timing for the 3-0 Birds. Looking for Week 4 Power Rankings?

SMITTY: This is a ‘nerve’ issue, and coach Bruce Arians is being extremely vague giving us the 1 day or 1 month timetable. Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald owners better hope Palmer gets back into that line-up soon, as each could drop a tier value-wise with Drew Stanton under center. As for Andre Ellington, it’s tough to predict if not having Palmer under center is going to lead to more fantasy scoring or not. He could be focused on more, or the Cards could be passing in 4th-quarters… or, they could lean on the guy. Stay tuned. Looking for Week 3 Power Rankings?

News: 9/14 (07:18pm) Ryan Mathews was carted off the field in Week 2 against the Seahawks; the injury is thought to be a knee/leg injury.Take:Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown are currently the next players up. We will keep you posted, but getting carted off is not a good sign. This has always been the risk with Mathews and a big reason why he was always ranked so low on my dynasty and redraft rankings. Stay tuned.
News: 9/14 (07:18pm) According to Adam Schefter on Twitter, both Bears WRs Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall will be active tonight.Take: It seems like both are a go, but keep tabs on the game at kickoff, as setbacks can happen in warm-ups. Just stay on top of it, and one way is to sign-up for Smart Alerts.
News: 9/14 (04:47pm) Jamaal Charles is now headed to the locker room.Take: The good news is that he was walking to the locker room, not being driven, but he had a bit of a limp. It’s thought to be his foot. Knile Davis should be grabbed in all leagues if your league allows for instant add/drops. Charles owners likely own the backup already, but if not, be certain to grab him ASAP. Stay tuned. Smart Alerts will update you in real-time on this, so be sure to sign up!
News: 9/14 (04:40pm) Jamaal Charles is on the sideline having his foot looked at.Take: Stay tuned on this one, hopefully he is back in the game shortly.
News: 9/14 (03:23pm) The Broncos have declared WR Cody Latimer inactive for Week 2 against the Chiefs.Take: This is a healthy scratch, which is interesting given that Wes Welker (suspended) is still out. Folks, if you need a sleeper WR3 this week, Andre Caldwell is your guy! He will have plenty of run and opportunity this week.
News: 9/14 (03:01pm) Robert Griffin III has a dislocated ankle according to NFL Red Zone.Take: This won’t help the “Kirk Cousins is better” movement that won’t seem to go away. The injury looked bad, and he was carted off the field, so don’t expect RG3 back anytime soon. Even if he is iffy to return soon, you have to think Washington will rest him longer than usual so that they can quietly give Kirk Cousins a proper run, as he deserves it. Stay tuned, and sign up for Smart Alerts to get real-time alerts on this.
News: 9/14 (03:00pm) Antonio Gates (hamstring) is active for Week 2 against the Seahawks.Take:Ladrius Green owners were hoping that Gates would miss this one, but Green is still a decent high-end TE2 option until his playing time gets a bump. Given how Gates is older and always kinda banged up, buying low on Green (especially in dynasty) is a good idea.
News: 9/14 (02:31pm) Robert Griffin III was forced from Week 2 with an ankle injury; he will not return.Take: Sign up for Smart Alerts to get real-time alerts on this.
News: 9/14 (02:31pm) DeSean Jackson was forced from Week 2 with a shoulder injury; he will not return.Take:Jackson was attempting to pull in a deep pass from Kirk Cousins when he got hurt. Andre Roberts has replaced him in the line-up. Stay tuned.
News: 9/14 (02:31pm) A.J. Green was forced from Week 2 with a toe injury; he will not return.Take: This is horrible news, especially since the injury has bothered Green all week. His Week 3 status is very much in question. Mohamed Sanu is now the top receiving option for the Bengals for the remainder of today.
News: 9/14 (01:08pm) Dez Bryant is headed to the locker room due to a head injury, or shoulder injury.Take: We will keep you posted. Hopefully, like Antonio Brown on Thursday, Dez runs back out onto the field soon. Stay tuned.
News: 9/14 (12:59pm) Bobby Rainey is expected to start Week 2 against the Rams. Fox’s Jay Glazer is reporting that Doug Martin (ankle) is inactive for Week 2.Take:Rainey is a decent desperate start for those who just lost Martin, but get on our forums if you have a dilemma and need some quick help!
News: 9/14 (12:35pm) Tom Krasniqi of 620 WDAE in Tampa Bay just tweeted this: “The feeling I’m getting is that #Bucs RB Doug Martin is UNLIKELY to play today. Regardless, expect to see a lot of Bobby Rainey.”Take: Keep in mind that other sources suggest that Martin will play, and we cannot yet confirm that the above tweet holds more water. Just walk into this situation carefully, and know that Rainey might see a lot of action regardless of whether or not Martin plays. The good news is that the Bucs play in the late games today, but the bad news is many have to decide before the morning games kickoff. Stay tuned and sign up for Smart Alerts to get real-time alerts on this.
News: 9/14 (12:19pm) Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has a “hunch” that one of Alshon Jeffery/Brandon Marshall plays on Sunday night against the 49ers.Take: Word over the last hour has been that there is a “75%” chance neither Brandon Marshall (ankle) or Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) plays Sunday night against the 49ers, but everyone is doing their best job guessing on this one. We won’t know for sure until game-time, but my guess also is that one will play. Marshall looked like the one with the better shot to play earlier in the week, so my guess, and it is a guess at this point, is that if only one goes it will be Marshall. If either WR misses Week 2, and especially if both do, look for Jay Cutler to provide less fantasy points than expected. Matt Forte will be used heavily in Week 2, which is good for all Forte owners. Stay tuned!Stay tuned! And, sign up for Smart Alerts to get real-time alerts on this.
News: 9/14 (12:19pm) Tim Wright could be used more in Week 2.Take: Playing Wright could be one of the sneakier moves of the week (just don’t bench a stud for the guy, we’re talking more of a spot start play of the week here). He isn’t even the team’s second or third receiving option, but he has TD potential, which makes him sneaky for those in need at the tight end position (like if you lost Jordan Cameron this week and have very little options on waivers).
News: 9/14 (12:01pm) Kenny Stills (quad) is officially active for his Week 2 contest the Browns.Take: Stills has big-play ability, but can have a big TD one game, and nothing the next week. Use him only in large leagues knowing he is uncontrollably hot and cold.
News: 9/14 (12:01pm) DET has declared both WR Ryan Broyles and WR Kevin Ogletree as inactive for Week 2.Take: Neither should have been starting in any format.
News: 9/14 (12:01pm) Aaron Dobson is active for his Week 2 game with the Vikings; rookie RB James White and WR Kenbrell Thompkins are inactive.Take:Dobson could have some appeal later on in the year, but not quite yet, not until he proves healthy.
News: 9/14 (11:49am) Cecil Shorts (hamstring) has been declared inactive for Sunday’s Week 1 contest against the Redskins.Take:Allen Hurns again enters another week as the top Jaguars receiving option. He is a fine fantasy WR3 this week.
News: 9/14 (11:48am) Sources suggest that Austin Davis will be the Rams’ starting quarterback in Week 2.Take: Not a huge surprise, but note there is still a small, small chance a change could be made (meaning Hill starts) last-minute. For now, Davis looks like the starter, and our Analyzer/Rankings have been updated to reflect this. Neither was a recommended start of any kind this week (unless you play in a HUGE 2QB league — In that case, Drew Stanton is an option for you if you’re desperate, but again, only in HUGE 2QB leagues would we even consider starting either Davis or Stanton.
News: 9/14 (11:47am) Jordan Cameron (shoulder) is inactive for Week 2 against the Saints.Take: Horrible news. Get him out of your lineups if you have him starting. Jump on our forums for advice on last-minute replacements. Quick names include: Ladarius Green (SD), Delanie Walker (TEN), Travis Kelce (KC), Larry Donnell (NYG).
News: 9/14 (11:45am) Adam Schefter of ESPN has confirmed that Andre Ellington (foot) is expected to play against the Giants in Week 2.Take: No surprise here, and with Palmer out, Ellington could see a lot of run. Hopefully that Cards passing attack can keep the Giants’ defense a touch honest.
News: 9/14 (11:45am) Word is that Cam Newton (ribs) will have “no limitations” in Week 2 against the Lions.Take: He could be rusty in this one, but he certainly has the talent to drop top 5-10 fantasy QB numbers during any start he makes.
News: 9/14 (11:45am)A.J. Green (foot) is officially active for his Week 2 contest against the Falcons.Take:Green is ready to have a huge Week 2. Great news.
News: 9/14 (11:45am) Giants declared WR Odell Beckham inactive for Week 2.Take: Not a recommended start anyway. But, Victor Cruz should be in for a lot of targets in this one.
News: 9/14 (11:40am) DeAngelo Williams (thigh) is inactive for Week 2 against the Lions.Take: Get Williams out of your line-up if you have him in your line-up. Jonathan Stewart is a decent play if you are desperate at the position. Mike Tolbert will also get some run, and possibly the TD action.
News: 9/14 (11:35am) Sources are reporting that Carson Palmer (shoulder) will not play in Sunday’s Week 2 contest against the Giants.Take:Palmer is dealing with some nerve issues in the shoulder after taking a hit last Monday night. Not that Stanton can’t surprise, this is clearly bad for both Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald. Stanton has four career starts to his name. Could it have a negative impact on Andre Ellington? Sure, but it’s also possible that the Cards run more in this one, and they could have success. For the long-term, Ellington owners really want Palmer back, but it wouldn’t be shocking if the Giants still can’t stop Ellington in this one. We will keep you updated on Palmer, but as it stands now, he is very questionable for Week 3.
News: 9/14 (4:15am) Jaguars RB Storm Johnson (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 2.Take: The Redskins, who face the Jaguars this week, lost NT Barry Cofield (ankle) last week, so Toby Gerhart (ankle, probable) has a decent match-up here. Not that Gerhart can’t play well all year, but he is a great sell-high candidate if he does have a strong Week 2.
News: 9/14 (4:12am) ESPN New York is predicting that Cardinals WR Michael Floyd will be shadowed by Giants CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in Week 2.Take: It looks as if teams are already seeing Floyd as the No. 1 WR in AZ, something we predicted this off-season. This could be good for Fitz owners, as he could finally see the ball again. We still love Floyd moving forward; he still has low-end fantasy WR1-type upside the rest of the way (but of course don’t buy him at that value – you never want to buy a player at max value).
News: 9/14 (4:11am) ESPN Boston is expecting Patriots RB Shane Vereen to get more early-down and short-yardage opportunities in Week 2.Take:Take: This is fantastic news considering Vereen received three goal-line touches last week. Vereen has sneaky-good high-end RB2-type upside moving forward (in PPR).
News: 9/14 (4:10am) Andre Ellington (foot) says that he is “good to go” for Sunday’s Week 2 contest against the Giants.
Ellington, working on a short week, returned to a limited practice on Friday. The Cardinals’ official website confirms that it would “probably be an upset” if he doesn’t play Sunday. Ellington clearly wasn’t 100 percent in Week 1, but still totaled 80 yards on 18 touches.Take: He saw limited action in practice on Friday, but no outlet or source is reporting that he has any chance of missing Week 2. Is he 100%? No, but managing 80 total yards and getting 18 touches is pretty darn good for a player we’re all worried about. It’s a shane he isn’t 100%, as Ellington was one of our bigger RB2 breakouts this year… let’s hope he gets going against the Giants defense.
News: 9/14 (4:05am) Wes Welker will not play in Sunday’s Week 2 contest against the Chiefs.Take: Once a new drug policy is ‘official’, we fully expect Welker to return to action in Week 3. Anything can happen, though, so stay tuned on this one.
News: 9/14 (4:04am) Rams QB Shaun Hill (questionable, thigh) traveled with the team to face the Bucs in Week 2.Take: This looks like a game-time decision, with Austin Davis looking to start in place of Hill if he can’t go. Stay tuned, although, no one should be starting either Hill or Davis in Week 2.
News: 9/14 (4:04am) The NFL confirmed that Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, who is deactivated for Week 2, could be looking at disciplinary action under the league’s personal-conduct policy.Take: “Could” is the wrong word if you ask us. I think “will” is the better word. Read more about our stance here. Matt Asiata will start Sunday against NE, and rookie Jerick McKinnon, who we talk up here, is expected to see touches.

Cardinals WR Michael Floyd pulled in one pass for four yards during Sunday’s preseason contest against the Bengals. Larry Fitzgerald pulled in three receptions for 71 yards.

SMITTY: My guess is that the typical fantasy football owner in most leagues didn’t watch this game… Michael Floyd was targeted twice on two super-deep touchdown passes, so Carson Palmer is going to stretch the field with Floyd all year long. The first bomb was just dropped by Floyd in the end zone, and the second deep pass was just bad timing on the part of Palmer. Some might consider the Fitzgerald the No. 1 in Arizona this year, and he very well could have one more season as the top dog Cardinal receiver… but, I love how Floyd is progressing, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see Floyd dance in low-end fantasy WR1-territory in 2014. Don’t even think about drafting him at that value/level, that’s not smart drafting… Use his 5th- to early 6th-round ADP to your advantage. Looking for Week 1 Power Rankings?

According to Dan Pompei on Twitter, Cardinals WR Michael Floyd “is in for a big year.” He also tweeted, “Some people in camp think he’ll be their [Cardinals] No. 1 WR.”

SMITTY:Michael Floyd is a beast, and 85 receptions for 1,200 yards and 10TDs wouldn’t be shocking. Don’t draft him at that value, as you don’t have to, but Floyd is a receiver that can explode from his current ADP (5.06-6.01). Larry Fitzgerald is still capable of 70 receptions, 1,000 yards and 6-8TDs, yes, even with my seriously-high Floyd expectations. Let’s just hope Carson Palmer can stay healthy, as an injury to Palmer could hurt both Cardinals receivers. Looking for Week 1 Michael Floyd Power Rankings?